Easily track your kombucha fermentation pH levels over time with this free online tool. Monitor acidification progress and know when to harvest your brew.
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Kombucha Fermentation pH & Acidity Tracker
Overview
A specialized, single-file browser utility designed for kombucha brewers to log, visualize, and analyze the acidification process of their ferments. This tool provides a data-driven approach to homebrewing, ensuring batch consistency and food safety.
Core Features
- Batch Management: Create, edit, and delete multiple brew batches in a clean, session-based dashboard.
- pH Data Logging: Record pH readings with timestamps. Auto-calculate the rate of acidification (days since start vs. pH value).
- Visual Analytics: Interactive line chart using
Chart.jsto visualize the pH drop curve over time. - Harvest Status Indicators: Real-time status tags (e.g., "Active", "Ready", "Over-fermented") based on defined safe pH thresholds.
- Data Portability: Import/Export feature to download batch data as a JSON file, allowing users to save their logs locally without using
localStorage. - Responsive Interface: Mobile-first design that looks great on smartphones (for use in the kitchen) and desktops.
UI Design & Aesthetic
- Layout:
- Header: App title with a "Quick Start" guide link.
- Main: Two-column layout on desktop (Left: Batch List & Form, Right: Chart & Details).
- Footer: None.
- Color Palette:
- Primary: Sage Green (#7BAA7B) for actionable buttons.
- Background: Off-white (#F9FAFB) with white card backgrounds (#FFFFFF).
- Text: Slate Gray (#374151) for high legibility.
- Accents: Soft Coral (#F87171) for alerts (e.g., "Too acidic").
- Animations: Subtle fade-ins for modal popups. Smooth SVG chart drawing animations using the Chart.js animation engine.
Technical Requirements
- Architecture: Single HTML5 file containing all CSS (Tailwind via CDN) and Vanilla JS.
- Persistence: Strictly in-memory (JS objects/arrays). Do NOT use
localStorageorsessionStorage. - External Assets:
- Tailwind CSS (via CDN).
- Chart.js (via CDN) for visualization.
- Lucide Icons (via CDN) for a clean UI.
- Security: All external links (like support resources) must include
target="_blank"andrel="noopener noreferrer". - Interaction: All modals (Add Batch, Import/Export) must be custom HTML/CSS elements. No browser
alert()orconfirm()prompts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using this application.
Why is tracking pH important for kombucha fermentation?
Tracking pH is critical for ensuring food safety and achieving the perfect flavor profile. By monitoring the drop in pH, you confirm that your brew is becoming acidic enough to inhibit harmful bacteria growth while developing the desired tartness. Consistent pH monitoring helps you establish a reliable harvest schedule. Instead of guessing based on taste alone, you can objectively identify the precise window when your kombucha reaches the optimal acidic balance, typically between 2.5 and 3.5 pH.
How does this tool handle my fermentation data?
This application operates entirely within your web browser's memory for maximum privacy. No data is sent to external servers, and no information is saved to your browser's local storage or cookies. Because this tool is session-based, your data will clear when you close or refresh the tab. To save your progress, we provide a built-in 'Export' feature that allows you to download your batch data as a JSON file, which you can later re-import into the tool.
What is the ideal pH range for ready-to-drink kombucha?
Most homebrewers aim for a final pH range between 2.5 and 3.5. If the pH is above 4.0 after several days, the fermentation process may be stalled or the culture may not be sufficiently active. If the pH drops below 2.5, your kombucha may taste excessively vinegary. Using this tracker allows you to observe the rate of acidification daily, helping you identify if you need to adjust your brewing temperature or your starter tea ratio to hit that 'sweet spot' more consistently.
Can I use this tool for multiple brewing vessels?
Absolutely. This tool is designed to support multiple active batches simultaneously, making it suitable for both standard batch brewing and continuous brew systems. You can create unique entries for each vessel to keep your data organized. Simply label each entry with a batch name or date, and use the dashboard to toggle between viewing progress for your different fermentations. The visualization features will update automatically based on the selected batch.
